Use of modem on hold for network management and telephone access

• US 7,587,034 B2
• Filed: 03/03/2005
• Issued: 09/08/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/12/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Incorporated
• Inventors: Doshi, Nimesh, Beadle, Burk, Otten, Robert T., Olafsson, Sverrir, Webster, Andrew, Borden, Craig E., Raasch, Charles F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ramakrishnaiah, Melur
• Application Number:
  US11/072,776
• Publication Number:
  US 20050147224A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,650 Days
• Field of Search: 379/90.01, 379/93.02, 379/93.05, 379/93.09, 379/93.11, 379/93.12, 379/93.13, 379/93.23, 379/93.29, 379 9331- 9335, 37914204-14208, 379/215.01, 376/222, 370/352, 370/469
• US Class Current: 379/93.35
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/1438 Negotiation of transmission parameters prior to communication modified according to link quality H04L1/0001
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/24 Negotiation of communication capabilities
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/06 Simultaneous speech and data transmission, e.g. telegraphic transmission over the same conductors
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/066 Telephone sets adapted for data transmision
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/428 Arrangements for placing incoming calls on hold

Abstract

A modem to modem communication system supports call waiting services by exchanging hold request and acknowledge signals before relinquishing the line servicing incoming calls. Thereafter, the modem to modem session is reestablished without having to redial. The hold request may be denied or accepted, and may define the duration a modem will hold before hanging up. The holding modem maintains the session by fooling the higher protocol layers, making them believe that the modem is not on hold. Three-way calling services are also used to free up the shared line for outgoing calls while maintaining the session with holding modems. A table may be employed to screen incoming calls through a comparison of the caller ID information with that in the table. The table may be within the modem or the host computer.

Claims

1. A routing method for use by a communication network while a first modem is in communication with a second modem over a communication line, said routing method comprising:

transmitting a network request by said communication network to said first modem to request said first modem to initiate a modem on hold process for placing said communication over said communication line with said second modem on hold;

receiving an acknowledgement by said communication network from said first modem that said communication between said first modem and said second modem over said communication line has been placed on hold for a predetermined period of time; and

substituting a third modem for said first modem in response to said receiving said acknowledgement, wherein said second modem starts communicating with said third modem over said communication line after said predetermined period of time elapses.

2. The routing method of claim 1, wherein said communication network is an Internet Service Provider.

3. The routing method of claim 1, wherein said transmitting said network request by said communication network to said first modem is in response to detecting a problem with said first modem.

4. A communication network for routing a communication line while a first modem is in communication with a second modem over said communication line, said communication network comprising:

a transmitter configured to transmit a network request to said first modem to request said first modem to initiate a modem on hold process for placing said communication over said communication line with said second modem on hold;

a receiver configured to receive an acknowledgement from said first modem that said communication between said first modem and said second modem over said communication line has been placed on hold for a predetermined period of time; and

wherein said communication substitutes a third modem for said first modem in response to said acknowledgement, and wherein said second modem starts communicating with said third modem over said communication line after said predetermined period of time elapses.

5. The communication network of claim 4, wherein said communication network is an Internet Service Provider.

6. The communication network of claim 4, wherein said transmitter transmits said network request to said first modem in response to detection of a problem with said first modem.

7. A communication method for use by a computing device running an Internet browser, said computing device being in communication with a modem, said communication method comprising:

enabling a user to browse the Internet, using said Internet browser running on said computing device, via a modem connection established by said modem over a communication line with a remote modem;

receiving a user selection for placing a call, wherein said user selection is generated by said user selecting a place call button on said browser;

requesting said modem to place said modem connection with said remote modem over said communication line on hold;

receiving an acknowledgement by said computing device from said modem that said modem connection over said communication line has been placed on hold; and

delivering a signal to said user, in response to said receiving said acknowledgment, that said user may use a handset for said call over said communication line.

8. The communication method of claim 7 further comprising:

using a three-way-calling functionality to gain a dial tone for initiating said call.

9. The communication method of claim 7 further comprising:

detecting said handset disconnecting said call, and reestablishing said modem connection without said modem redialing.